Blow for DC! After Harry Brook, KL Rahul set to miss IPL 2025 matches, confirms Australia captain

In a recent development, Delhi Capitals (DC) batter KL Rahul is likely to miss the first two matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Australian women's team captain Alyssa Healy, wife of left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, revealed the details of the wicketkeeper-batter's absence in the tournament.

Rahul announced that he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, are expecting their first child shortly after India's Champions Trophy 2025 victory. Rahul posed for heartwarming pictures with Athiya. The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand in the final on March 9 to clinch the title. This victory is also his first ICC trophy win.

KL Rahul Will Probably Not Play the First Couple of Games - Alyssa Healy

Speaking on LiSTNR Sport, Alyssa Healy shared insights about the franchise. She revealed that Rahul is likely to miss the first two matches of the IPL 2025 as he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, are expecting their first child.

“No Harry Brook, (so) it will be interesting to see who the replacement player will be. They have KL Rahul, who will probably not play the first couple of games I think... they are awaiting the birth of (their) child, but that dynamic, is really cool,” Healy said.

“They have that power in the young guys but they also have a KL Rahul who can stitch the innings in T20 cricket. He's going to be really exciting to watch,” she added.

KL RAHUL set to miss first couple of matches #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/HS7vQJbUU7

— Sanskar Gupta (@Sanskar7701) March 20, 2025

Rahul Acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 Crore in IPL 2025 Auction

KL Rahul was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after being released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, the former Delhi captain, joined LSG for a record ₹27 crore fee.

Rahul is one of the most experienced batters in IPL history. The right-handed batter has amassed 4,683 runs in 132 matches at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60, including four centuries and 37 fifties.

The Karnataka cricketer led LSG in IPL 2024 and scored 520 runs in 14 games at an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.12, including four half-centuries. However, LSG finished seventh, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals Set to Begin IPL 2025 Campaign on March 24

Meanwhile, there was speculation surrounding DC's captaincy after KL Rahul's signing, with many considering him a potential successor to Rishabh Pant. However, the franchise appointed Axar Patel, who has been with DC since 2019, as their new captain.

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Faf du Plessis was named vice-captain. Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 in Visakhapatnam.

England batter Harry Brook has withdrawn from the IPL 2025. Delhi Capitals had secured him for ₹6.25 crore at the auction. He also missed IPL 2024 due to personal reasons following the passing of his grandmother.

Also read: IPL 2025 top 4 teams finalized! Virender Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist & other experts share predictions